Editorial: Columbus Day Parade losing its appeal?

Walter Bird Jr. Editor @walterbirdjr/@worcestermag

Thursday

Oct 11, 2018 at 5:00 AM

To many in Worcester’s Italian community, it may be considered heresy to even think of renaming the annual Columbus Day Parade. Hundreds (737, to be exact) offered their opinion in a recent Worcester Magazine poll on Facebook asking whether the parade should change its name. An overwhelming 63 percent voted “No,” while 37 percent said “Yes.”

Several people commented. Among the responses:

“Why does it even have a parade?”

“Why … it’s more of an Italian heritage parade than for Columbus himself. Many Italian immigrants regarded Columbus as a symbol of Italian pride. That’s why the parade … is held on that weekend.”

“What is this question? It’s a Columbus Day parade. Just like a St. Patrick’s Day parade. Or a Thanksgiving Day parade.”

“Why stir up trouble?”

“Who thinks we should change the name of Worcester Magazine?”

The topic struck a chord, to be sure. No doubt, some have had enough with what they believe is political correctness run amok. The fact is, however, that Christopher Columbus is a controversial figure who didn’t discover America and never came to North America. He is also said to have engaged in slavery and committed horrific acts of violence on people, including dismemberment. There are those who question some of the accounts of Columbus’ actions, but to say his is a complicated and complex history is not an understatement.

More and more communities are ditching Columbus Day. Some now observe Indigenous Peoples Day. It remains a national holiday, but that does not mean cities and towns have to name their parades after it. In Worcester, the Columbus Day Parade now attracts small crowds along Shrewsbury Street, which years ago was home to many Italian families. That has changed over the years, with many either dying or moving out. The area is now much more diverse, and some — Italians among them — have suggested a celebration that is more reflective of the mix of people who now populate and do business there would be appropriate.

A name change - or outright elimination of the parade - would outrage many. In addition, the organizer of the Columbus Day Parade has been quoted as saying the parade is here to stay.

This space does not suggest scratching Columbus’ name from the parade because of political correctness. In fact, perhaps a separate parade is worth exploring.

Still, it cannot be ignored that, whatever the reasons, fewer people appear to be taking in the annual Columbus Day Parade. It is certainly worth examining that, and discussing how to revitalize it, re-engage the community that once so staunchly supported it, and engage the newer mix of people and businesses who have made Shrewsbury Street a much different neighborhood than it was years ago.